Thomas Staubli | University of Fribourg (original) (raw)

Papers by Thomas Staubli

Theologisch-praktische Quartalsschrift, 2024

While Oliver Anthony, surrounded by dogs, directs his protest song against the "Rich Men North of... more While Oliver Anthony, surrounded by dogs, directs his protest song against the "Rich Men North of Richmond", I show how this kind of singing has deep roots: With the Babylonian Kurgarru, with the Levantine heroes Aqhat and David, and with the Thracian Orpheus - with far-reaching implications for Western music history.

“Drink of the wine which I have mingled!” Festschrift für Silvia Schroer zum 65. Geburtstag, 2023

This is the first icongraphic and iconologic analysis of the pictorial decoration in the outer ci... more This is the first icongraphic and iconologic analysis of the pictorial decoration in the outer citadel gate of the Hittite, Luwian and Aramaic city-state of Samʾal. The structural analysis reveals that both the gateway and the gateway forecourt each contain a carefully composed pictorial program by means of stylistic forms (iconic artistry) that emphasize the special functions of the two architectural complexes and link them to the imaginary and living world of the city’s inhabitants. In addition, both image programs were carefully linked with each other. They refer not only stylistically but also thematically to the neighboring Hittite, Mesopotamian, and Levantine regions, but also to the Aegean region, where oriental heritage lived on in figures such as Heracles, Orpheus, and Atlas, and where an overall festive culture in a patrilinear context very similar to that at Samʾal was practiced. The analysis demonstrates that the iconic artistry of the pictorial decoration realizes similar stylistic arrangements as can be found in literary artistry of the same time and region.

Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian , 2023

God and Human in the Image of Animals: Animal Theology in the Image Archive of Jerusalem. Systema... more God and Human in the Image of Animals: Animal Theology in the Image Archive of Jerusalem.
Systematic theology until today produces misjudgements, according to which there is a gap between man and animal in the Hebrew Bible and that it omits the transcendental potential of the animals. On contrary, it is pointed out that there are 79 different names of animals in the Bible and it is shown that especially animals were indispensable when it came to portraying the transcendental majesty of God. In the world in which the Hebrew Bible was written, animals were artistically designed in many ways because of their symbolism. This is illustrated and explained using the example of seal amulet images from the city-state of Jerusalem. It is shown that falcons, dung beetles, snakes and caprids had a particularly high symbolic capital.

It is shown how Prov 1-9 was designed as a house of wisdom by means of literary artistry (number ... more It is shown how Prov 1-9 was designed as a house of wisdom by means of literary artistry (number seven, parallelisms, chiasms, open-envelope structures). Two rows of seven exhortations each to the naïve young man to be attentive form the basic structure. This shows a progression from the teachings of parents to direct instruction by Lady Wisdom and from aesthetics to ethics. Fools and wise men, strange woman and lady. Wisdom are purposefully used contrasting figures. The heart (the power of judgment or conscience) as the center of man is at the center of the effort for wisdom.

In three areas, I try to illustrate what we can learn from the Bible when it comes to health. 1. ... more In three areas, I try to illustrate what we can learn from the Bible when it comes to health. 1. The Bible familiarizes us with a pre-industrial world and thus with a way of life that is in close connection with basic needs. It contrasts unhealthy, highly civilized ways of life with a simplicity and down-to-earthness that is at the same time healthy, as medical studies of traditional Mediterranean lifestyles show. 2. The Song of Songs, not read allegorically, celebrates lust and eroticism. This has added health value. Man and woman who love each other become healthy together and the erotic
love without shame proves to be a momentary return to paradise. 3. The way YHWH in Hab 3 as a shining sovereign deity, accompanied by his
servants plague and pestilence, could be interpreted as the matrix of an Enlightenment approach to pandemics. In addition, the article offers primary sources illustrating that the Bible and its world used magical remedies as a matter of course for health prevention.

The Bible is one of the oldest preserved evidences of an intensive reception of Egypt. Due to its... more The Bible is one of the oldest preserved evidences of an intensive reception of Egypt. Due to its special nature as a collection of texts created over centuries, which is regarded as 'Holy Scripture' by two world religions, it has significantly influenced the image of Egypt in the world, sometimes more than the Egyptian cultural heritage itself. Admittedly, the Bible's images of Egypt could not be more diverse. Dominant, as I will show in the first part, was the image of the 'slave house of Egypt', that is, of the totalitarian, exploitative state. The biblical Exodus myth is based on this image. It still celebrates success today as a matrix for revolutionary ideas and dualistic interpretations of the world. However, the majority of Egyptian-Levantine relations were of a symbiotic nature, as I will show in a second part. The Bible itself, outside of the Exodus tradition, transmits majority positive memories of Egypt as a place of refuge, which I will show in a third part. Even more: In the Bible are to be found actual literary monumentalizations of the Egyptian-Israelite friendship, discussed in a fourth part. In a concluding fifth part, I show that there is even significant evidence that Egypt occupied a privileged special position in Israel compared with other neighbors.

Biblische Notizen, 2020

In this article, chalcolithic bone art works of the Southern Levant, the so-called “composite fem... more In this article, chalcolithic bone art works of the Southern Levant, the so-called “composite female figurines”, are related to the Genesis prologue. The earth as a living, childbearing organism, the woman created from a bone and Eve’s honorary title “mother of all living” prove to be motives of a “histoire de longue durée”.

The subject of human perfection was reflected upon at the height of European absolutism by Enligh... more The subject of human perfection was reflected upon at the height of European absolutism by Enlightenmentists like Mandeville and Rousseau. Against this background, the article discusses two concepts of perfectibility in the Hebrew Bible: 1. The priestly attempt to create a perfect society of priests by separating sacred and profane and separating clean and unclean. (This part contains an excursus on the symbols «ladder» and «wall».) 2. The sapiental concept of improving human relationships through humility. This second concept, like related ideas from Epicurus, is one of the sources for modern concepts of sufficiency and sustainability.

With this encyclopedia article, I have attempted to update the subject thirty years after the pub... more With this encyclopedia article, I have attempted to update the subject thirty years after the publication of my dissertation on the image of nomads (also available on academia.edu).

This article addresses ligatures between Dionysos, Yahweh, Osiris and Christ based on the example... more This article addresses ligatures between Dionysos, Yahweh, Osiris and Christ based on the example of branch symbolism. Branches have been widely used in Levantine art since ancient times. They represent the renewal power of Mother Earth and the blessing of vegetation (goddesses). In the art of the Hellenistic and Roman eras, they are often found on coins and in temple decorations, on the headgear of the high priest, in the paraphernalia of festivals and in grave decorations. Originally closely related to the cult of the goddess, the symbol is patriarchalized through the connection with rulership. Defined as «Lulav», the Jewish festival branch is dissociated from non-Jewish branches. Nevertheless, the Jewish cult was interpreted by the Greeks and Romans as a Dionysian cult. This is not surprising because the Dionysian cult ultimately has the same Canaanite roots as the Jewish cult. The equation of Yahweh and Dionysus was fought by the Jewish Orthodoxy and by Roman anti-Semites.

Hominids have been wearing clothing for hundreds of thousands of years. In the Ancient Near East,... more Hominids have been wearing clothing for hundreds of thousands of years. In the Ancient Near East, elaborately made clothes, along with food and cosmetics, were the basis of life and the most valuable possession of all. As social skin, they were also real symbols of human honor and dignity, indeed of the person as such. Against this background, the striking passage that God himself dresses Adam and Eve in Gen 3:21 gains its profile. It is not, as often written, a gift of grace. Rather, the fur clothes are God’s solidary memorial for the causes of the loss of Eden through the discovery of the shame of nudity. This interpretation is made plausible by comparison with the Gilgamesh epic. In Gilgamesh's investiture, we find a two-phase clothing analogous to the Bible, but with a clear gender note. In contrast, nudity doesn't matter. The same applies to Inanna's journey into the underworld. The accents are also different in Western clothing etiologies.

Fecal matter causes disgust in the ancient Near East. In daily life people tried to eliminate exc... more Fecal matter causes disgust in the ancient Near East. In daily life people tried to eliminate excrements. Magic could help eliminate the contact with feces. The effect of disgust triggered by excrements was also used by the rhetoric of priests and prophets on a moral level to provoke. The different treatments of fecal disgust illustrates perfectly the ambivalence of the emotion “disgust.” On the one hand, disgust seems to arise spontaneously as a natural defense against certain dangers. On the other hand it can be shown that disgust is a socially constructed emotion. This ist shown in detail with textual end pictorial examples.

If one understands blasphemy only as the insult or satirical caricature of God, which could be a ... more If one understands blasphemy only as the insult or satirical caricature of God, which could be a public nuisance, then from a biblical standpoint one can also agree with those contemporary law reformers who plead for the abolition of the blasphemy law clause. There are also insults of God in the Bible. The strong punishment of the blasphemy of the name of YHWH only makes sense if it means the public, wanton blasphemy of the living God or a sin against the Holy Spirit. If one translates this theological expression into a secular context, then it means the undermining or disrespectful treatment of what holds a culture together in its innermost, which constantly renews it with creative and refreshing power.
This thesis is illustrated by examples and discussions from the Ancient Near East, biblical studies, the history of ancient and modern Judaism, the Swiss political system and a Scottish exhibition experience.

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Wenn man unter Blasphemie nur die Beschimpfung oder satirische Karikierung Gottes versteht, die ein öffentliches Ärgernis sein könnte, so kann man auch von einem biblischen Standpunkt aus jenen Rechtsreformern zustimmen, die für die Abschaffung des Blasphemieparagraphen plädieren. Gottesbeschimpfungen gibt es auch in der Bibel. Die starke Ahndung der Lästerung des Namens JHWHs macht nur dann einen Sinn, wenn man darunter die öffentliche, mutwillige Lästerung des lebendigen Gottes bzw. eine Sünde wider den Heiligen Geist versteht. Überträgt man diese theologische Ausdrucksweise in einen säkularen Kontext, so ist damit die Unterminierung bzw. respektlose Behandlung dessen gemeint, was eine Kultur im innersten zusammenhält und mit kreativer Kraft ständig erneuert.
Diese These wird an Beispielen und Diskussionen aus dem Alten Orient, aus der Bibelwissenschaft, aus der Geschichte des antiken und modernen Judentums, aus dem Schweizer Staatswesen und aus einer schottischen Ausstellungserfahrung erläutert.

It is shown that the Mediterranean heroes who can banish demons or wild animals with music —Aqhat... more It is shown that the Mediterranean heroes who can banish demons or wild animals with music —Aqhat in Ugarit, David in Judah or Orpheus in Thrace— are inspired by the much older Kurgarru in Mesopotamia. During the transmission of the motive in Syria and the Levant, the lute is replaced by a lyre. However, iconic constancy is given by the crouching or sitting posture of the musician, his orientation to the right, the playing of a stringed instrument and the audience of a dog.

This article examines thirteen terms that connote disgust about food, drink, sex, gods, offerings... more This article examines thirteen terms that connote disgust about food, drink, sex, gods, offerings, prayers, peoples, lands, persons, injustice, and life. The terms form two different “codes” for social orientation. An international, sapiental or ethical “code” emphasizes moral disgust, which is nourished by the love of YHWH and lady wisdom. A priestly or ethnic “code” is characterized by a rhetoric of disgust, which functions to deter people from non-Yahwistic laws of the nations. In this rhetoric, fecal language is used in order to express disgust of idols, the symbols of the gods who order and legitimize foreign laws and customs.

The word “mother” appears seven times in the Song of Songs. The text analysis shows that this is ... more The word “mother” appears seven times in the Song of Songs. The text analysis shows that this is not a coincidence. The keyword is part of an elaborate and complex macrostructure. The linguistic watermark is likely to be the stamp of the milieu of the wedding singers, in whose milieu the text collection of the Song of Songs has been handed down and edited. This interpretation fits the fact that the place of love in the Song of Songs is the “house of the mother”. The article also contains an excursus on the number seven and an epilogue to the number seven and the mother in Paul Celan's work.

Among else this short article includes a new explanation of the expression «according to Lilies» ... more Among else this short article includes a new explanation of the expression «according to Lilies» (Psa. 45:0; 69:0; 80:0).

Theologisch-praktische Quartalsschrift, 2024

“Drink of the wine which I have mingled!” Festschrift für Silvia Schroer zum 65. Geburtstag, 2023

Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian , 2023

Biblische Notizen, 2020

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The biblical scholar, historian, and Jewish thinker Yehezkel Kaufmann (1889–1963) is best known f... more The biblical scholar, historian, and Jewish thinker Yehezkel Kaufmann (1889–1963) is best known for two magisterial works: a two-volume interpretation of Jewish history, Golah ve-nekhar (Exile and Alienation, 1928–1932), and a four-volume study of biblical religion, Toledot ha-emunah ha-yisre’elit (A History of the Israelite Faith, 1937–1956). Toledot in particular is the most monumental achievement of modern Jewish biblical scholarship. No other figure, not even Martin Buber, has had such a profound influence on the work of Jewish scholars of the Bible. Whether by supporting his ideas with new evidence, modifying them in light of new discoveries or methods, or attacking them, and whether addressing his work explicitly or implicitly, a substantial amount of modern Jewish biblical criticism builds upon the foundation set by Kaufmann. The latter’s phenomenological analysis of biblical monotheism as well as his critique of theoretical and methodological assumptions that are still domin...

Palestinian Identity in relation to Time and Space, 2014

The idea of focusing a conference on Palestinian Identity in relation to time and space is indeed... more The idea of focusing a conference on Palestinian Identity in relation to time and space is indeed pertinent. The development of the Palestinian Identity has been the focus of many studies and conferences. However, all of the studies so far concentrate on the emergence of this identity in the last hundred years. Although several papers in this book still have dealt with the development of the Palestinian Identity in late Ottoman and early British Mandate Palestine, another focus of the event was however on analyzing the understanding of the Palestinian Identity in relation to the biblical story, history and archeology and how this understanding has been reflected in poetry and the art. The self-Understanding of the Palestinians of themselves in relation to time and space and their relationship to other marginalized groups is a question of high political and social relevance.
The participation of scholars from different parts of the world in the event did not only bring an international scope, persuasions and perspectives, but helped fostering an ecumenical, interdisciplinary, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environ, dialogues and philosophy.

Das vergriffene Buch enthält diverse Erstpublikationen von altorientalischen Primärquellen und we... more Das vergriffene Buch enthält diverse Erstpublikationen von altorientalischen Primärquellen und wertvolle, eigenständige Artikel, etwa zur hebräischen Onomastik, zur Haustierwerdung und zu theriomorphen Gottesauffassungen im Alten Orient und in der Bibel, nebst den Herausgebern von Susanne Bickel, Ingrid Glatz, Hildi Keel-Leu, Max Küchler, Madeleine Page Gasser, Silvia Schroer, Ursula Seidl und Christoph Uehlinger.

Thomas Staubli (2024) Zehn Jahre nach dem ersten Band zu den Kapiteln 1-15 (vgl. dazu meine Rezen... more Thomas Staubli (2024) Zehn Jahre nach dem ersten Band zu den Kapiteln 1-15 (vgl. dazu meine Rezension für die Biblische Bücherschau 10/2016) erschien der zweite Band der beiden evangelischen Alttestamentler zu den restlichen Kapiteln des Buches Exodus, unterteilt in eine siebte bis elfte Erzählphase. Synchrone und diachrone Auslegung Jede Erzählphase wird wiederum in Episoden unterteilt, von denen jeder je eine synchrone und eine diachrone Analyse mit einer nachfolgenden Synthese gewidmet ist.

Orientalistische Literaturzeitung

Gab es Sklaven im Alten Ägypten? Die Autorin des Buches bejaht diese Frage für die Spätzeit Ägypt... more Gab es Sklaven im Alten Ägypten? Die Autorin des Buches bejaht diese Frage für die Spätzeit Ägyptens und präzisiert.

Heide, Martin / Peters, Joris, Camels in the Biblical World, History, Archaeology, and Culture of the Levant 10, University Park: Eisenbrauns 2021, in: Orientalistische Literaturzeitung 117/2, 2022, 126-130.

Besprechung einer Arbeit, die den Opferort Abrahams/Ibrahims zu bestimmen versucht.

Manuskripte sind per E-Mail an die Redaktion zu senden. Ein Merkblatt zur formalen Gestaltung von... more Manuskripte sind per E-Mail an die Redaktion zu senden. Ein Merkblatt zur formalen Gestaltung von Beiträgen ist bei der Redaktion erhältlich. Besprechung oder Rücksendung unverlangt zugesandter Bücher kann nicht gewährleistet werden, ebenso wenig die Rücksendung von nicht angeforderten Manuskripten. Die Zeitschrift und alle in ihr veröffentlichten Beiträge sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Kein Teil dieser Zeitschrift darf ohne schriftliche Genehmigung des Verlages in irgendeiner Form reproduziert, digitalisiert oder gesendet werden.

Die ausführliche Rezension fasst die facettenreichen Artikel des Sammelbandes zusammen und verwei... more Die ausführliche Rezension fasst die facettenreichen Artikel des Sammelbandes zusammen und verweist auf Lakunen, die einer Erörterung bedürfen: 1. Die Blasphemie-Debatte hat einen ökonomischen Hintergrund, der gerne ausgeblendet wird: Je reicher eine Gesellschaft, desto mehr kann sie sich den Luxus leisten, auf Blasphemieverbote zu verzichten. 2. Die Natur als Heiligtum kommt in den meisten Blasphemie-Diskursen nicht in den Blick, obwohl sie für viele Menschen das Heiligste und Schützenswerteste ist. Dies gilt besonders in Zeiten des Klimawandels. 3. Der Blasphemie-Begriff braucht ein säkulares Update. Es ist offensichtlich, dass auch eine sog. säkulare Gesellschaft Tabuzonen hat, wie zum Beispiel die Stürmung eines Parlaments.

Eine Theologie der Tiere Regensburg: Verlag Friedrich Pustet 2018 384 S., 26,95 € ISBN 978-3-7917... more Eine Theologie der Tiere Regensburg: Verlag Friedrich Pustet 2018 384 S., 26,95 € ISBN 978-3-7917-3002-8 Thomas Staubli (2020) Das schön gestaltete, von Alexandra Weber liebevoll illustrierte und vom Verlag sogar mit einem Lesebändchen ausstaffierte Buch zeigt auf dem Umschlag ein Bild von Oscar Schlemmer von 1939 mit dem Titel «Tierparadies»: In der Mitte ein Pfau, der sein Rad schlägt, umgeben von Elefant, Flamingo, Krokodil, Schlange, Kaninchen, Löwe, Giraffe, Affe, Paradiesvögeln und über ihm eine aus nächtlichem Himmel geheimnisvoll dunkelrot leuchtende Sonne. Der Mensch findet sich in diesem utopischen Idyll nicht, anders als auf unserem Planeten in zunehmendem Maße der Fall ist und in den 18 Essays des Buches. Facettenreich thematisieren sie das komplexe, schwierige und je länger je gestörtere Verhältnis zwischen Mensch, Tier und Gott. Sie stammen aus der Feder von Mitarbeitenden am Institut für Katholische Theologie der Technischen Universität Dortmund. «Die Tiere erobern die Theologie», heisst es siegesgewiss in der Buchempfehlung von Rainer Hagencord, dem Leiter und Mitgründer des Instituts für Theologische Zoologie in Münster, auf dem Buchrücken. Die Einleitung ins Buch beginnt demgegenüber mit einem Fragezeichen, beklagt die Tiervergessenheit der christlichen Theologie, spricht vorsichtig von «Bausteinen» zu einer Theologie der Tiere, aber auch davon, wie zentral die Aufgabe einer Theologie der Tiere für das christliche Denken im Anthropozän sei. Geordnet in drei Kapitel (Tierwissen, Tierethik und Tiereschatologie) will das Buch allem voran die Liebe zu den Tieren wecken. Sein anthologischer und essayistischer Stil weckt auf, macht neugierig, fordert heraus.

Rezension von: Carl van Schaik, Kai Michel, Das Tagebuch der Menschheit. Was die Bibel über unser... more Rezension von:
Carl van Schaik, Kai Michel, Das Tagebuch der Menschheit. Was die Bibel über unsere Evolution verrät, Reinbek
bei Hamburg: Rowohlt 2016.
Yuval Noah Harari, Eine kurze Geschichte der Menschheit, München: Pantheon 2013.

Der Sammelband vereinigt in chronologischer Reihenfolge acht Aufsätze des emeritierten, schon län... more Der Sammelband vereinigt in chronologischer Reihenfolge acht Aufsätze des emeritierten, schon länger mit seiner Frau Helga Weippert in Villeperdrix (Drôme) ansässigen Alttestamentlers aus Heidelberg zur altorientalischen, staatsloyalen Heilsprophetie.

Thomas Staubli (2016) Das aus dem Amerikanischen Englisch übersetzte, handliche Buch des an der U... more Thomas Staubli (2016) Das aus dem Amerikanischen Englisch übersetzte, handliche Buch des an der Uni-versität von Oklahoma lehrenden Assyriologen, Wirtschaftshistorikers und Bibelwis-senschaftlers Daniel C. Snell erzählt auf rund 200 Seiten die Geschichte des religiö-sen Lebens im Vorderen Orient von den Anfängen der Landwirtschaft bis zur Invasion Alexanders des Großen. Buchinhalte Nach einem Überblick über Zeit und Raum werden die Anfänge der Religion in den frühesten Ackerbaugesellschaften Iraks verortet und mit der Entstehung von urbanen Zentren in Verbindung gebracht. Die Funde vom anatolischen Göbekli Tepe — einem Jägerheiligtum — werden ebenso übergangen wie die noch viel älteren Bezeugun-gen von Begräbnissen, die auf Ahnenkult deuten, wie jene aus der Kebara-Kultur, einer Jäger-Sammler-Gesellschaft, lange vor der Entstehung einer urbanen Welt. Recht differenziert wird dann die Götterwelt Mesopotamiens vorgestellt, wobei zwi-schen Stadtgöttern, persönlichen Göttern und Dämonen unterschieden wird. Ein aus-führliches Kapitel über Städte, Staaten und Götter zeigt auf, wie sich die Genese von Städten, deren Zusammenschlüsse zu Staatsgefügen und deren Wirtschaft im religi-ösen Symbolsystem niederschlägt. Hier kommen die Stärken des Assyriologen und Wirtschaftshistorikers schön zur Geltung. Dass Snells Stärke in der Sozialgeschichte liegt, zeigen auch die Kapitel über Ägypten, die dort am freisten von Klischees sind, wo er sich dem Alltag der Menschen zuwendet, zum Beispiel wenn er das Leben des Künstlerdorfes Deir el-Medinah beschreibt (100-102). Die Zusammenhänge von Glo-balisierung und Religion im Alten Orient zeigt er anhand der Amarna-Korrespondenz und der Ausbreitung des Gilgamesch-Epos, wobei die Rolle Kanaans zu wenig zur Geltung kommt. Ganz im Element ist Snell wieder, wenn er die kultischen Kommuni-kationsmethoden zwischen Menschen-und Götterwelt thematisiert.

Rezension zu einer aktualisierten, nützlichen Sammlung von Texten aus dem Umfeld des Neuen Testam... more Rezension zu einer aktualisierten, nützlichen Sammlung von Texten aus dem Umfeld des Neuen Testaments

Exodus 1 -15 (Internationaler Exegetischer Kommentar zum Alten Testament) Stuttgart: Kohlhammer 2... more Exodus 1 -15 (Internationaler Exegetischer Kommentar zum Alten Testament) Stuttgart: Kohlhammer 2013 372 S., € 69,90

Welche Erfahrungen liegen der Vorstellung von Engeln zugrunde? Und welche Folgen hatten die große... more Welche Erfahrungen liegen der Vorstellung von Engeln zugrunde? Und welche Folgen hatten die großen geistesgeschichtlichen Umbrüche der letzten dreitausend Jahre für die Funktion von Engeln?

Vortrag vom 13.11.17 zur Ausstellung «Engelwelten» im Freiburger Museum für Kunst und Geschichte (10.11.17-25.2.18)

In this short essay I criticize the unqualified use of Christian topics in a secular context. Whi... more In this short essay I criticize the unqualified use of Christian topics in a secular context. While homophobia and Islamophobia seems to be a widely respected taboo for a politically correct journalism in Switzerland this is not the case for Christianophobia. The point is discussed exemplarily on an article in the magazine of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Erotic attraction. Place of security. Source of nourishment. Breast milk: A special juice. Man's ... more Erotic attraction. Place of security. Source of nourishment. Breast milk: A special juice. Man's breast.
Erotische Attraktion. Ort der Geborgenheit. Nahrungsquelle. Muttermilch: Ein besonderer Saft. Männerbrust.

1 »Menschenbilder« statt »Anthropologie«: 1.1 Konstellative Menschenbilder; 1.2 Menschenbilder al... more 1 »Menschenbilder« statt »Anthropologie«: 1.1 Konstellative Menschenbilder; 1.2 Menschenbilder als Teil eines Bedeutungsgewebe;, 1.3 Permanente Peilung zwischen historischer Rekonstruktion und theologischer Deutung; 1.4 Evolution: Die Geburt des »Wesens« in der Zeit; 1.5 Die Gestalt des vorliegenden Buches
2 Problemanzeigen: 2.1 Korrektiv dualistischer abendländischer Denkmuster; 2.2 Kann eine biblische Menschenkunde auf der Basis von hebräischen Schlüsselbegriffen entwickelt werden?; 2.3 Haben israelitische Menschenbilder (k)eine kerygmatische Bedeutung?; 2.4 Body- (De-)Konstruktion und Hermeneutik der Befreiung des Leibes
3 Herausforderungen der theologischen Anthropologie: 3.1 Selektion, Abstraktion und Einengung in der klassischen theologischen Anthropologie; 3.2 Menschliche Herausforderungen durch beschleunigte Evolution: 3.2.1. Die geistesgeschichtliche Herausforderung: Der Mensch nach Auschwitz; 3.2.2. Die ökologische Herausforderung: Der Mensch im Anthropozän; 3.2.3. Die juristische Herausforderung: Der global regulierte Mensch
4 Homogenese in der Levante

The miracle of love. The conjugal love. Love without why. Ties of love beyond man-woman love. God... more The miracle of love. The conjugal love. Love without why. Ties of love beyond man-woman love. God as lover and beloved. Hate.
Das Wunder der Liebe. Die eheliche Liebe. Liebe ohne Warum. Bande der Liebe über die Mann-Frau-Liebe hinaus. Gott als Liebende(r) und Geliebte(r). Hass.

Eifersucht. Neid. Gleichgeschlechtliche Beziehungen. Jealousy. Envy. Same-sex relationships.

Procreation. Stages of becoming human in the womb. Formation outside the womb. Divine protection ... more Procreation. Stages of becoming human in the womb. Formation outside the womb. Divine protection for pregnant women and women giving birth.
Zeugung. Stufen der Menschwerdung im Mutterleib. Entstehung außerhalb des Mutterleibes. Göttlicher Schutz für Schwangere und Gebärende.

Gebärmutter: ein Ort göttlicher Obhut; ein Sitz des Mitgefühls; eine im Menschen wirksame göttlic... more Gebärmutter: ein Ort göttlicher Obhut; ein Sitz des Mitgefühls; eine im Menschen wirksame göttliche Macht.
Womb: a place of divine care; a seat of compassion; a divine power operative in man.

Birth in the Hebrew Bible is often connected with war imagery. Humans are part of a chain of birt... more Birth in the Hebrew Bible is often connected with war imagery. Humans are part of a chain of birth. Everybody is born of a mother. Death can be understood as a backward-birth.
Geburt und Kampf – Menschheit als Teil einer Geburtskette – Der Tod als Rückwärtsgeburt

The biblical creation stories (in difference to other creation stories of the ancient world) emph... more The biblical creation stories (in difference to other creation stories of the ancient world) emphasize the sexual duality of humans. They explain the duality as a godly compensation for loneliness. They offer an explanation for the male libido and the missing penis bone. Patriarchy is taxed as a curse. Furthermore, the chapter offers insight to ancient concepts of the segregation of sexes.

The chapter introduces to the biblical concept of woman and man as living statue of god and relat... more The chapter introduces to the biblical concept of woman and man as living statue of god and relatives of God, and similar concepts in Egypt and it offers some afterthoughts for the ethical implications of the concept.

Periods of life; children as objects; burials, votive offerings, sacrifices of children; children... more Periods of life; children as objects; burials, votive offerings, sacrifices of children; children as sacraments of the future; the chosen child; the godly child and its impact on Western humanism

The chapter discusses the impact of motherhood and fatherhood on the biblical writings: Omniprese... more The chapter discusses the impact of motherhood and fatherhood on the biblical writings: Omnipresence of Motherly symbolism; the matriarchs of Israel; the king's mother; the economist; the mother and the maternal one («maternité»); the house of the father (bēt ʾāv); conceptual fatherhood; god as father

The Hebrew Bible understands humanity as a family. This contrasts to ethnocentric concepts in Egy... more The Hebrew Bible understands humanity as a family. This contrasts to ethnocentric concepts in Egypt and Greece. At the same time Israel constructs a distance to Canaan by means of genealogies. Furthermore, the blessing for the nations is connected to the blessings for Israel. Egyptian, Persian, and Greek concepts of humanity are illustrated by images from antiquity.

The chapter lists the most important aspects of beauty according to Biblical texts and Ancient Ne... more The chapter lists the most important aspects of beauty according to Biblical texts and Ancient Near Eastern images and texts, illustrated by examples: Symmetry and order, aura and charisma, elaboration and splendor, hail and bliss, bonum quod pulchrum, seductive and destructiv, salvific and constructive

The chapter introduces to the complex world of emotions and how they are mirrored in biblical tex... more The chapter introduces to the complex world of emotions and how they are mirrored in biblical texts and concepts. Many emotions are discussed in separate chapters of the book:
>29: joy
>27: trust
>26: fear
>81: surprise
>28: sadness
>42: disgust
>26: contempt
>25: anger
>70: guilt
>60; 62: shame
>90: curiosity
Further themes of the chapter: The location of emotions in body parts (liver; kidneys; gall); postures of depression; bitterness and sweetness; to express emotions in front of God as a therapy; emotional intelligence

Body phenomena of anxiety and fear – affliction and anxiety – power and fear – encouragement – fe... more Body phenomena of anxiety and fear – affliction and anxiety – power and fear – encouragement – fear of God – overcoming of fear through reason and belief

Friendly face – proof of sympathy (ḥæsæd) – sphere of ḥæsæd – ḥæsæd of God and man

The chapter discusses biblical concepts of lēv: inner human, mind, intellect and reason and its l... more The chapter discusses biblical concepts of lēv: inner human, mind, intellect and reason and its limits; furthermore: consciousness, difference, individuality, sense; conscience; godly compatible rationality.

Menschenbilder der Bibel, 2014

The Western concept of friendship goes back to the Greeks. It was not known in the strongly triba... more The Western concept of friendship goes back to the Greeks. It was not known in the strongly tribal structured ANE. However, in Hellenistic times this Greek manner of strong relationship was practiced and commented (e.g. by Ben Sira) in the Levant as well. Thus, this illustrated chapter of our anthropology studies different aspects of friendship: Love of the neighbor, friendship between women, friendship between men, friendship with God, hospitality (Gastfreundschaft) and asylum.

Menschenbilder der Bibel , 2014

In this chapter we offer among else insight into the ANE and biblical roots of the notion «pursui... more In this chapter we offer among else insight into the ANE and biblical roots of the notion «pursuit of Happiness» in the constitution of the United States of America but also information about the reflection of Greek concepts of «luck» in the Bible. You will find paragraphs on the following aspects of chance, luck and happiness: Chance as the experience of a happy God - The established path as a path of happiness - The woman as what is good - The chance of a woman - To find a chance - Carpe diem as experience of happiness - The luck of the wicked - The luck of the victims

Human beings are not gods, they are mortal, they are flesh (hebr. bāśār), they are like gras, lik... more Human beings are not gods, they are mortal, they are flesh (hebr. bāśār), they are like gras, like spilled blood or water, like a fragile vessel (with iconographic material). This chapter illustrates aspects of frailty, important for the biblical interpretation of humanity. *** Nicht göttergleich – Knochenfraß – Haus des Todes – Fleisch wie Gras – Hingeschüttetes Blut und Wasser – Ein zerbrechliches Gefäß

Migration in der Bibel und heute, 2024

In meinem Beitrag verorte ich die Migrationscharta, ein Manifest, das auf dem Grundrecht der frei... more In meinem Beitrag verorte ich die Migrationscharta, ein Manifest, das auf dem Grundrecht der freien Niederlassung insistiert, in der aktuellen Migrationsdebatte. Die Charta vertritt einen dezidiert gesinnungsethischen Standpunkt, für den die Egalität der Menschen und die Menschenrechte fundamental sind. Demgegenüber warnen Vertreter einer Verantwortungsethik vor dem slippery slope, dem glitschigen Abhang, auf dem unsere ganze Zivilisation in den Abgrund stürzen könnte, wenn wir der Migration Tür und Tor öffnen. Ich zeige, dass in der Bibel Argumente für beide Positionen zu finden sind. «Die Lektüre der Bibel offeriert – einmal mehr– nur insofern eine Lösung, als sie uns die Dialektik der globalen Prozesse, in deren Mitte wir uns wiederfinden, schärfer profilieren hilft, aber auch, indem sie uns ermutigt, unserer Verantwortung bewusst, den Fremden mit offener Gesinnung zu begegnen, nicht wissend, wie die erlösende Kraft der Gottheit sich uns in ihnen offenbaren wird.»

Theologie im Angesicht der Klimaveränderung. Theology in the face of climate change.

Bei allen Unterschieden zur aktuellen Pandemie: Auch in biblischen Zeiten hatten die Menschen mit... more Bei allen Unterschieden zur aktuellen Pandemie: Auch in biblischen Zeiten hatten die Menschen mit Seuchen zu kämpfen. Lässt sich mit dem Blick ins Alte Testament etwas lernen für den heutigen Umgang damit, zumindest für unsere Einstellung dazu? Es zeigt sich: Seuchen haben immer viele Namen, überschreiten viele Grenzen – und sind am Ende doch beherrschbar.

Eindrücke eines Seelsorgers aus dem Bundesasylzentrum (Ausreisezentrum) Giffers, Schweiz

In der Dezembernummer 2015 des Forschungsmagazins «Horizonte» des Schweizer Nationalfonds kontras... more In der Dezembernummer 2015 des Forschungsmagazins «Horizonte» des Schweizer Nationalfonds kontrastiert die Wissenschaftsjournalistin Irène Dietschi neue Erkenntnisse der Gen-Biologie zur Pluralität der Geschlechter mit dem Christentum. Dabei wird ein Zerrbild des Christentums verwendet, das dessen revolutionäres Potential zur Genderfrage ignoriert. Der Artikel ist symptomatisch für eine religiös unaufgeklärte, säkulare Weltsicht in Mitteleuropa.

The Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP) won the referendum on the ban on the c... more The Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP) won the referendum on the ban on the construction of minarets in the country in 2009. In a historic alliance, however, the religious communities organized in the Council of Religions expressed their desire for a merger of religions into peace and freedom. This essay explains the thesis that the anti-Islamic attitude is found particularly in the growing circles that are religiously uneducated and homeless.
It outlines five virtues of the Abrahamic religions that serve religious peace: hospitality, group solidarity, historical awareness, fear of God, and prayer.

Vision for a museum about the bible in its Ancient Near Eastern context and on the bible as a sou... more Vision for a museum about the bible in its Ancient Near Eastern context and on the bible as a source of the today Western culture in a medieval tower of the Swiss city Fribourg, based on the university's large collection.

The essay discusses a book on the future of life and labor, written by Christian Lutz. Lutz devel... more The essay discusses a book on the future of life and labor, written by Christian Lutz. Lutz develops the multi-kid as a fit prototype for the future society. The multi-kid is able to surf for his benefit on the many options of modern society. His opponents are technocratic, ecological and religious traditionalists or fundamentalists and potentially fascistic losers, in fact about 80% of the world population. In my essay I argue that Lutz himself represents the fundamentalistic position of the economical center. The prognostic of his book written on behalf of the influential Gottlieb Duttweiler foundation in Switzerland makes me wonder to whom prognostics may serve. The famous prognostics and deeds of Joseph (Gen 40; 47), are they written down to help the pharaoh or to inform the suppressed about the methods of the powerful? Using insight of Ignacio Ellacuría and Noam Chomsky I try to answer the question.

The essay is a sketch for a theology, inspired by the Bible, after the collapse of the catholic m... more The essay is a sketch for a theology, inspired by the Bible, after the collapse of the catholic milieu in Switzerland (and other countries of central Europe). What could new evangelization mean in a more and more secular society? The text has been written as a theological commentary to sociological studies on the base of statistic investigations in Switzerland, but has never been printed as such.

The unpublished article demonstrates that the content of Ps 91 comes from a tradition of amulets.... more The unpublished article demonstrates that the content of Ps 91 comes from a tradition of amulets. It is therefore not surprising that Ps 91 itself was used as an amulet by both Christians and Jews. The psalm even reappears in a strongly secularized context as a text of consolation and defiance, as the grave of the philosopher Max Horkheimer and his parents shows.

Vortrag im Rahmen der Tagung «Wem gehört Weltkulturerbe?» der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Orientalische Altertumswissenschaften vom 21. Mai 2016

Der Vortrag beschäftigt sich mit Weltkulturerbe in Museen und thematisiert daher eingangs einige ... more Der Vortrag beschäftigt sich mit Weltkulturerbe in Museen und thematisiert daher eingangs einige Aspekte des Sammelns, dann zwei Kernprobleme der aktuellen Debatte: 1. Den Widerspruch zwischen Kriegsförderung und Kriminalitätsbekämpfung, dem sich die Länder ausgesetzt sehen, die Weltkulturerbe schützen wollen und 2. den Widerspruch zwischen dem Anspruch von Weltkulturerbe einerseits und dem weltweit dominanten Territorialprinzip andererseits. Zuletzt werden vier Merkmale des m.E. guten Umgangs mit Weltkulturerbe an Beispielen skizziert.
Die vorgetragenen Überlegungen entstanden im Verlauf des Aufbaus des BIBEL+ORIENT Museums an der Universität Freiburg CH.

Stock, storage (forthcoming), to be published in: Angelika Berlejung, Michelle Daviau, Jens Kamla... more Stock, storage (forthcoming), to be published in: Angelika Berlejung, Michelle Daviau, Jens Kamlah, Gunnar Lehmann (eds.), Encyclopedia of the Material Culture of the Biblical World, Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018 (?)

Deutsche Fassung, geschrieben 2009 für: Angelika Berlejung, Michelle Daviau, Jens Kamlah, Gunnar ... more Deutsche Fassung, geschrieben 2009 für: Angelika Berlejung, Michelle Daviau, Jens Kamlah, Gunnar Lehmann (eds.), Encyclopedia of the Material Culture of the Biblical World, Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018 (?)

Dairy products (forthcoming), to be published in: Angelika Berlejung, Michelle Daviau, Jens Kamlah, Gunnar Lehmann (eds.), Encyclopedia of the Material Culture of the Biblical World, Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018 (?)

Written in 2009.

27.1-10.2.2019. Studienreise für Studierende und Interessierte durch Israel/Palästina.

Ikonographisches Vademecum zur Geschichte der südlichen Levante von der Mittelbronzezeit bis in r... more Ikonographisches Vademecum zur Geschichte der südlichen Levante von der Mittelbronzezeit bis in römische Zeit.